[gechu]

I have an old pair of speakers that I want to use together with my computer.

From previous research I´ve concluded that Trend TA-10(an amp) seems to do the trick.

Right now I use the onboard ALC850, but have plans on getting a USB DAC instead of buying a internal soundcard since ALC850 is considered to be a bit low. I´m considering this one UD-10 USB.

1. Should I buy an internal PCI sound card or external USB DAC?
2. How does the Trend UD-10 USB compare to other USB DACS?
3. Anyone with experiences from using Trend UD-10 with Trend TA-10?

 

[gechu]

E-MU 0404 USB seem to be interesting as well:

Review
Product info

 

[spacemanspliff]

The TD-10 is not a dac. It is a usb to digital converter. For instance, I have the TD-10 and a PV modded Lite Dac AH. The TD-10 Greatly improves the signal from your usb source aka PC/Mac.

I suppose the TD-10 is a UDC lol.

 

[gechu]

I think you mixed up the letter combinations a little bit because I´m not talking about anything TD-10 related =)

Right now I´m considering the E-mu 0404 along with the TA-10...

Has anyone used that combo?

 

[CSMR]

The E-MU 0404USB compared to the 0202USB has phantom power and an external power supply.
If you are not ever going to be recording with condenser microphones I would get the 0202; it will do its job well. Then use the Trend amp which is said to be good if its power is sufficient. Then you can worry about the more important things: dsp, speakers, and positioning and other acoustical issues.

 

[Operandi]

Kingrex makes a T-amp/USB DAC combo that might be worth checking out.

 

[BradJudy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMR /img/forum/go_quote.gif The E-MU 0404USB compared to the 0202USB has phantom power and an external power supply.

The 0404 and 0202 also use different DAC chips from different companies. (AK4396 and CS4392 respectively).

 

[gechu]

Did som research about the Kingrex all in one DAC + amp. Didn´t find much, but the reviews and forum posts I found said it was a good product. Here are some links:
Kingrex TA20U homepage
6moons review

Have´t looked into the e-mu 0202 yet. But if it offers the same level of playback quality as 0404 it can be really interesting.

The availability of these products are somewhat limited here in Sweden. I'm considering:

E-mu 0202 + Trend TA-10 = 240 euro
Kingrex = 280 euro
E-mu 0404 + Trend TA-10 = 340 euro

I'm still a bit confused about the capasity of these amps since it´s a new area for me. At the back of my speakers, I found this information: 60 watt, handling max 100 watt, 8 ohm.

How does it compare/relate to these specs:?

Kingrex: 2 x 20W @ 4 Ohm / 2 x 12W @ 8 Ohm
Trend TA10: 2 x 15W @ 4ohm / 2 x 10W @ 8ohm

EDIT: typo

 

[CSMR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradJudy /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 0404 and 0202 also use different DAC chips from different companies. (AK4396 and CS4392 respectively).

They are both good chips and the difference will not be audible; the main differences are the ones I mentioned.